Michelle Lee Preston Tucker, 46, of Palatka, passed peacefully from this life on Friday, July 14, 2023 at UF Health Shands in Gainesville following a courageous battle with Leukemia. A native and lifelong resident of Palatka, Michelle was a 1995 graduate of Palatka High School and received her Bachelor’s Degree in Education from St. Leo University. She then received her Masters Degree from the University of North Florida and even in the midst of her illness, worked to obtain her Doctorate Degree in higher education from Northcentral University in November 2022 to become Dr. Michelle Preston Tucker. Michelle had been employed with the Putnam County School District for 22 years where she taught at Browning-Pearce Elementary, Beasley Middle School and Jenkins Middle School. She had also served as a District Math Coach. More recently she had served as Assistant Principal at Palatka High School and then transitioned to Crescent City High School where she served until declining health necessitated a leave from the District. Michelle was a Christian. She enjoyed hunting and fishing, reading, exercising / working out and going antiquing. Michelle is also fondly remembered for her love of decorating for the holidays.

Michelle is survived by her husband of 19 years, Mike Tucker of Palatka, her parents, Mike and Sharon Preston of Palm Coast, a son, Mark Allan Tucker of Palatka, step-daughter, Cameryn Jewel Tucker of Palatka, a sister, Lindsey Locklear (Robert) of St. Augustine, brother, Michael Preston, Jr. and her nieces and nephews, Ty Locklear, Camden Locklear and Caitlin Locklear.
Memorial services celebrating Michelle’s life will be at 3:00 P.M. Saturday, July 22, 2023 at the auditorium at the C.L. Overturf, Jr. District Center (formerly Beasley Auditorium), 1100 S. 18th Street in Palatka with Pastor Terry Wright officiating. The family will receive friends Saturday at the auditorium from 1:00 P.M. until the time of services at 3:00 P.M.
In lieu of flowers, the family has a Legacy Gift fund set up to go directly to Mike Tucker as he prepares to care for his and son Mark’s future. Contributions can be sent to Venmo: @Mike-Tucker-73 @Venmo or Cashapp: $Mikeallantucker.
Memories and condolences may be expressed to the family at Michelle’s Book of Memories page at www.johnsonoverturffunerals.com.
Arrangements are entrusted to Johnson-Overturf Funeral Home in Palatka.